MotoGP news: Valentino Rossi Yamaha pressure, V4 engine rumours discussed - EXCLUSIVE
MOTOGP superstar Valentino Rossi is still deliberately keeping the pressure on Yamaha bigwigs, says Neil Hodgson.
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The Japanese heavyweights ended their winless run in Australia after Maverick Vinales stormed to glory.
He followed that up with a fourth-place finish in Malaysia.
After the Australia showpiece, Rossi said Yamaha cannot rest on their laurels.
The M1 bike has been ravaged by technical issues which has hampered both riders progress throughout the season.
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has struggled in recent weeks
BT Sport pundit Hodgson says Rossi is keen to hammer home that plenty of work needs to be done when the campaign is over.
“He was being realistic,” Hodgson told Express Sport.
“Rossi was saying: ‘look our problems haven’t been solved with a win here. You’re at Phillip Island and it’s a unique circuit - a real leveller.’
“He was keeping the pressure on Yamaha to not be complacent.
“Not that they would be. I think all the people at Yamaha understand that fact as well.”
Yamaha have been tipped to move to a V4 engine layout following advice from Rossi.
Hodgson, however, insists it’s all hearsay at the moment.
“You hear mixed things all the time,” he added.
“It’s just speculation and half of it I wouldn’t class as reliable anyway.
“It’s mixed messages.
“There’s uncertainty going on, but I can’t speculate in what direction they can go in at the moment.”
After a barnstorming start, Rossi looked destined for victory in Malaysia.
However, Marc Marquez was gifted a win when the veteran crashed out at the first corner with just four laps remaining.
Speaking after the clash Rossi said he was ‘devastated’.
Vinales just missed out on a podium finish behind Alex Rins and Johann Zarco
“I’m devastated about the crash because it was my first mistake of the season at the worst moment,” Rossi said.
“But, on the other side, I’m happy because we lived the dream for 16 laps
“After my brother’s victory it could’ve been a great day.”
The season finale will take place in Valencia this weekend.
* Watch every moment of the MotoGP season exclusively live on BT Sport 2, with three full days of action every race weekend. Watch the Valencian Grand Prix on Sunday November 18 from 1pm on BT Sport 2. For more info visit www.bt.com/sport